Hanging organizer

ABSTRACT

A hanging organizer includes a body, at least one support hook for attachment of said body to a door, and a plurality of organizational sections, with at least one of said organizational sections having elasticized straps connected with the body of the organizer to accommodate bulky items.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/661,743 filed Mar. 15, 2005.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to the field of storage and, more particularly, to an improved hanging organizer.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various types of household organizers are sold and used on a daily basis, including organizers that are designed to hang from doors to take advantage of limited space. However, these organizers typically are only provided with pockets or ledges of varying size. These pockets and ledges are limited in the items that they can reasonably accommodate and, in particular, are not suitable for securing bulky, irregular shaped items, such as pillows and blankets.

Therefore, it would be advantageous to provide a hanging organizer for use on doors that is capable of accommodating bulky items.

The present invention is directed to overcoming one or more of the problems set forth above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the invention is to provide an organizer that is capable of accommodating bulky, irregular shaped items. Another aspect of the invention generally pertains to a hanging organizer that is adjustable to accommodate different door heights. According to an aspect of the present invention, a hanging organizer is provided that includes a body, at least one support hook for attachment of said body to a door, and a plurality of organizational sections, with at least one of said organizational sections having elasticized, intersecting straps connected with the body of the organizer to accommodate bulky items.

These aspects are merely illustrative of the innumerable aspects associated with the present invention and should not be deemed as limiting in any manner. These and other aspects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the referenced drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference is now made more particularly to the drawings, which illustrate the best presently known mode of carrying out the invention and wherein similar reference characters indicate the same parts throughout the views.

FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of an empty hanging organizer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of the empty hanging organizer of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a partial side view of a partially filled hanging organizer according to another embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a cross-section of the bottom portion of the hanging organizer of FIG. 1 taken along section line A-A.

FIG. 5 is partial cut-away view of the bottom portion of a hanging organizer according to another embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a view of an upper support hook for a hanging organizer according to yet another embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a view of a lower retention hook for a hanging organizer according to another embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a front elevation view of an empty hanging organizer with straps in a first position according to another embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a front elevation view of the hanging organizer of FIG. 8 with its straps in a second position.

FIG. 10 is a view of a strap of the hanging organizer of FIG. 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. For example, the invention is not limited in scope to the particular type of industry application depicted in the figures. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the present invention.

FIGS. 1-3 illustrate one embodiment of a hanging storage organizer 10 according to the present invention. The organizer includes a generally flat body 12, which forms the main structure for the organizer and provides a surface to which the remaining components of the organizer are attached. The body 12 is advantageously constructed of a fabric or fabric-type material, such as canvas, that allows the organizer to be folded into a smaller size when it is not in use.

The body 12 is divided into various sections, with different sections having different organizational structures. In the illustrated embodiment, the top section is a zippered enclosure 14 constructed of a see-through material, such as clear plastic or netting, to enable a user to identify the contents of the enclosure without having to open and search through it. The next section comprises a row of pockets 16, again constructed of a see-through material.

The third and fourth sections of the body 12 are uniquely arranged to accommodate bulky items of irregular shape, such as blankets, pillows, or similar items. These sections are provided with intersecting elasticized straps 18 that are secured to the body 12 at their ends and are secured to one another where the straps 18 intersect. As best seen in FIG. 1, each strap 18 has a first end portion 36 and a second end portion 38. The first and second end portions 36, 38 are secured to the body 12. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1, the straps 18 are connected to the body 12 such that the straps 18 have an X-shape. When the straps 18 are pulled away from body 12, a space is created between the straps and the body into which a bulky item can be inserted. In a preferred embodiment, a tab 20 is attached to the intersection of the straps 18 to assist in pulling the straps 18 away from the body 12. When the straps 18 are released, they spring back towards the body 12, thereby quickly securing the bulky item between the straps 18 and the body 12.

In an alternate embodiment, as best shown in FIGS. 8-10, each strap 40 is composed of two sections 42, 44 that are joined together by a buckle 19 attached to the end of the first section 42. This arrangement allows the straps 40 to be configured either in an overlapping X or parallel to one another. The buckles 19 also allow the elasticized straps 40 to be further tightened, either to hold smaller items or to account for a reduction in the straps elasticity over time. In another embodiment, the section of the strap 44 that is threaded into the buckle 19 is provided with a section of hook fastener material 46 and a section of loop fastener material 48 such that when the strap section 44 is threaded through the buckle, the free end of the strap may be secured to itself to provide a more streamlined appearance.

The body 12 is connected with a door by a hanging system that includes at least one upper support hook 22. In preferred embodiments, the hanging system also includes at least one lower retention hook 24. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the hanging system includes two upper support hooks 22 and two lower retention hooks 24. In the embodiment of FIG. 6, the upper support hooks 22 are generally S-shaped and made of a rigid material. The top end 40 of the hook 22 is arranged to fit over the top edge of a door. The bottom end 42 is arranged to be inserted through an opening 26 in the body 12 to connect the body to the hook 22. The upper hooks 22 may be attached to the door in an even more secure manner by screws 28, which inserted through holes 30 and into the door.

The lower retention hooks 24 are generally U-shaped and made of a rigid material. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the hooks 24 are connected to the bottom of the body 12 by an adjustable strap 32. The adjustable strap 32 is secured to the body 12 by any suitable means, including stitching or gluing. In the embodiment of FIG. 7, the strap 32 is adjusted by a buckle. However, in an alternate embodiment, the strap 32 may use a hook and loop self-fastening fabric, e.g. VELCRO®, as an adjustment means. The adjustability of the strap 32 enables a user to tighten the strap 32 to help secure the lower retention hooks 16 in place around the lower edge of a door.

In a preferred embodiment, the body 12 of the organizer is reinforced at its top and bottom. This reinforcement may be accomplished by simply folding the fabric of the body 12 over itself to create a double layer of fabric. In addition, an insert 34 between the two layers of fabric for further reinforcement, as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5. In the embodiment illustrated, the insert 34 is a bent wire structure with a rectangular shape. The insert 34 is sandwiched between the two layers of fabric and the two layers are then stitched together to secure the insert 34 in place.

The preferred embodiment of the invention has been described above to explain the principles of the invention and its practical application to thereby enable others skilled in the art to utilize the invention in the best mode known to the inventors. However, as various modifications could be made in the constructions and methods herein described and illustrated without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the foregoing description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative rather than limiting. Thus, the breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by the above-described exemplary embodiment, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims appended hereto and their equivalents. 

1. A hanging organizer for use with a door, the hanging organizer comprising: a. a body; b. at least one support hook connected to said body and adapted for attachment to the door; and c. at least one organizational section having elasticized straps to accommodate bulky items, each of said elasticized straps having a first end portion and a second end portion, said first end portion and said second end portion connected to said body.
 2. The hanging organizer according to claim 1, wherein said body is generally flat.
 3. The hanging organizer according to claim 1, wherein said elasticized straps intersect and are secured to one another.
 4. The hanging organizer according to claim 3, further comprising a tab located at a point where said intersecting elasticized straps intersect.
 5. The hanging organizer according to claim 1, further comprising screws to secure said at least one hook to the door.
 6. The hanging organizer according to claim 1, wherein said body is constructed of a fabric.
 7. The hanging organizer according to claim 1, wherein said body is constructed of canvas.
 8. The hanging organizer according to claim 1, further comprising at least one other organizational section connected to said body, wherein said at least one other organizational section is selected from the group consisting of a zippered enclosure and a row of pockets.
 9. The hanging organizer according to claim 8, wherein said at least one other organizational section is constructed of a see-through material.
 10. The hanging organizer according to claim 9, wherein said see-through material is selected from the group consisting of clear plastic and netting.
 11. The hanging organizer according to claim 1, wherein said body includes a top and a bottom spaced apart from said top, and said body further comprises a reinforcement at said top or said bottom.
 12. The hanging organizer according to claim 11, wherein said reinforcement comprises a double layer of fabric.
 13. The hanging organizer according to claim 11, wherein said reinforcement comprises an insert.
 14. The hanging organizer according to claim 13, wherein said insert comprises a bent wire structure having a rectangular shape.
 15. The hanging organizer according to claim 1, wherein said at least one support hook is an upper support hook.
 16. The hanging organizer according to claim 15, wherein said at least one upper support hook is generally S-shaped and made of a rigid material.
 17. The hanging organizer according to claim 15, wherein each of said at least one upper support hook has top end and a bottom end, said top end is adapted to fit over the top of the door and said bottom end is connected said body.
 18. The hanging organizer according to claim 17, wherein said body has an opening and said bottom end is inserted into said opening.
 19. The hanging organizer according to claim 1, further comprising at least one lower retention hook.
 20. The hanging organizer according to claim 19, wherein said at least one lower retention hook is generally U-shaped and made of a rigid material.
 21. The hanging organizer according to claim 19, further comprising an adjustable strap connected to said at least one lower retention hook and to said body.
 22. The hanging organizer according to claim 21, wherein said adjustable strap includes a buckle for adjustment.
 23. The hanging organizer according to claim 21, wherein said adjustable strap includes a hook-and-loop self-fastening fabric for adjustment.
 24. The hanging organizer according to claim 1, wherein said elasticized straps are each further comprised of first and second sections and wherein a buckle connects said first and second sections of each elasticized strap.
 25. The hanging organizer according to claim 24, wherein said first section of each elasticized strap comprises a section of hook fastening material and a section of loop fastening material.
 26. A hanging organizer for use with a door, the hanging organizer comprising: a. a body, said body having a first organizational section and a second organizational section, said second organizational section having elasticized straps to accommodate bulky items; b. each elasticized strap each further comprising first and second sections and wherein a buckle connects said first and second sections of each elasticized strap; and c. at least one S-shaped upper support hook connected to said body and adapted for attachment to the door.
 27. The hanging organizer according to claim 26, wherein said first organizational section is selected from the group consisting of a zipper enclosure and a row of pockets.
 28. The hanging organizer according to claim 26, further comprising at least one adjustable strap connected to said body.
 29. The hanging organizer according to claim 28, further comprising at least one U-shaped lower retention hook connected to said at least one adjustable strap and adapted for attachment to the door.
 30. The hanging organizer according to claim 26, wherein said first section of each elasticized strap comprises a section of hook fastening material and a section of loop fastening material.
 31. A hanging organizer for use with a door, the hanging organizer comprising: a. a body, said body having a zipper enclosure, a row of pockets, and at least one section having elasticized straps to accommodate bulky items, each of said elasticized straps having a first end portion and a second end portion, said first end portion and said second end portion connected to said body; b. each elasticized strap each further comprising first and second sections and wherein a buckle connects said first and second sections of each elasticized strap; c. said first section of each elasticized strap further comprising a section of hook fastening material and a section of loop fastening material; d. at least one upper support hook connected to said body and adapted for attachment to the door; e. at least one adjustable strap connected to said body; and f. at least one lower retention hook connected to said at least one adjustable strap and adapted for attachment to the door. 